A Bit of Me(me) 8/20/2011

I just got back from choosing ribbon at Hobby Lobby for my sister's wedding in October. They already had all their fall things out at the front of the store...and I was walking through to look for ribbon in those aisles...and I ran into Christmas ornaments and trees and decorations. I can't believe they're already selling Christmas things! It was the first thing I thought of when I saw this week's question:

Do you have a favorite holiday?

Which one?

I definitely have a favorite holiday...but I think it's uncommon as far as favorite holidays go. My favorite holiday is the 4th of July. I like that it's a summer holiday and we get to be outside. I love doing a 5k and going to the parade and cooking out. To me it's just a relaxing holiday when I can spend time with family and just enjoy the day. I love the fireworks at night. We can see fireworks from our house so most of the time we don't even go anywhere for fireworks. This year I did take Peanut to see the fireworks closer to where they set them off. We left the house right before they started, found a parking spot, and rushed to find a spot to sit. We ended up in a great spot. It was a cool night and Peanut was snuggled in close to me as we watched the fireworks. It's fun! 

Besides being able to relax and do fun things with family, the fourth of July also represents an important time in our country. I love that everyone here in the United States can participate and enjoy the fourth of July. It makes me feel warm and fuzzy to have that sense of unity.

That being said, I don't really have negative feelings towards other holidays like Thanksgiving or Christmas. Thanksgiving just seems like a little too much work for me at this point...plus I don't eat turkey any more so it makes me a little sad to have a celebration at their expense even though I love the idea of being grateful. And Christmas is fun now with my kiddos, but from a religious aspect, I feel like Santa and presents sometimes overpower the reason behind the holiday. While I enjoy the holiday, it's just not my favorite.

What's your favorite holiday and why? I'm curious if fall/winter holidays have a different feel for those people who live in warmer places. I think it would be fun for a change to have a Thanksgiving or Christmas cookout instead of a fancy dinner...but I would miss snow at Christmas though!

  

Candlewick Press

Last Friday I was in Boston and I had three points of interest on my list of things to do that I e-mailed to my friend, Alison, ahead of time. The first thing on my list was the swan boats at the Boston Public Garden because I had never been in Boston during the summer to ride them. The second was a few of Nancy Schon's sculptures that are in Boston that represent different books or stories. The third was Candlewick Press. I wasn't sure what we would find if we went to Candlewick or how far it was from where Alison lives in Brookline but I knew I was that close and it was possible that it would be fun to visit Candlewick Press.

Candlewick Press is a growing publishing company based out of Boston. Since I started this blog, I have been paying attention more to who publishes the books I'm reading - and maybe more importantly - who publishes that books I'm reading that I love. Many times, when I turn back to look at who published a well-loved book, it's Candlewick.

I tweeted to tell the people at Candlewick that they might find me outside taking pictures and drooling as I stare through the window. Since I'm not involved in the publishing process of books, it is so fascinating to me to see where editors work and where artwork is checked for correct colors and where books come to life. Somehow the stars were aligned and Regan, who tweets for Candlewick Press, was in the office when we got there.  Regan was super nice and gave my friend and me a tour of the Candlewick offices.

Here are some of the pictures from my visit:

Here were are at Candlewick Press in Somerville Massachusetts!

These big posters cover the walls when you enter the vestibule.

I love these girls!

I love seeing all the books set up like this. Great display!

I felt very welcome at Candlewick!

Gotta love the Candlewick Bear!

If you work in an office, it's silly to love this. I get excited to see desk like these because I don't! 

Artwork before it goes into a book - the colors have to be checked

This is Regan's library of all the books that are currently in print from Candlewick!

Here I am with Regan in her beloved library. I was close to tears it was so cool.

Thanks Regan and Candlewick for letting me visit!

I'm currently reading The Ask and the Answer: Chaos Walking: Book Two from Patrick Ness' Chaos Walking series which is great. Guess How Much I Love You, Love and Kisses, and Hug are our favorite board books from Candlewick. And I can't forget Bink and Gollie! (Did you know there's another Bink and Gollie book coming?!) Do you have a favorite book from Candlewick Press? I'd love to hear your favorites!

   

Sold

Title: Sold
Author: Patricia McCormick

Publisher: Hyperion

Publication Date: September 2006

Genre/Format: Realistic Fiction (Multicultural)/Novel in Vignettes

Summary: Lakshmi is a 13 year old who lives in a hut with her mother, stepfather and young brother. The poverty that they live in is worse than I have ever imagine and it doesn't help that her stepfather has a fondness for gambling and disappearing. But they are surviving. Until the monsoons destroy their crops and they become desperate. Her stepfather's solution? Sell her to a stranger from the city to work as a maid. It is something that excites Lakshmi because she will be able to experience the glamour of the city AND help her family; however, when she arrives at "Happiness House" her dreams are shattered. Happiness House is a brothel and she has been sold into prostitution.

What I Think: A beautifully written book about a truly heinous situation.

When I began this book, I really didn't know what it was about since I hadn't read anything about it except that it was loved. Starting out, I thought it was a historical fiction novel about the past where families had to sell their daughters to help pay debts; however, as I read more and things such as TV, cars and Coke were introduced, I began to realize that this wasn't historical fiction at all- it was contemporary. This was something that is happening on our planet right now. I am not ignorant and know that human trafficking exists, but I just had never realized to the extent. Maybe it is that we don't want to think about it, because we feel helpless. That is how I feel now. Helpless. And thankful.
What Jen Thinks: I agree, I am completely thankful for my childhood and my life right now after reading about situations for girls/women who aren't as fortunate as I am. This book really helped me visualize and connect with life in that part of the world. I have read this with one of my students and she could not believe what was happening. It is sad how many people take education for granted. This character was yearning to learn.
This book is a tremendously fast read because it is told in vivid but short snapshots but it is a well-written book. I recommend this to students who are looking for an intense teen issue focused book. I make sure to ask them what they think as they read and to reiterate to them that this is happening in the world today...it's fiction, but based on events that really do occur. Like Kellee, I don't want them to think it's not plausible because it really is. This is a book that stays with you.

Read Together: 6 - 10

Read Alone: 7 - 12

Read With: Bound by Donna Jo Napoli, The Breadwinner by Deborah Ellis, Homeless Bird by Gloria Whelan, Ties that Bind, Ties that Break by Lensey Nimioka, La Linea by Ann Jaramillo, Shabanu by Suzanne Fisher Staples, So Long a Letter by Mariama Ba

Snatch of Text: "If you look hard enough, chaos turns into order the way letters turn into words." (From "On the Bus")

"I would ask him if the night air in the city smells like the night air on the mountain, like rain clouds and jasmine and possibility." (From "Meeting the David Beckham Boy")

"I have been beaten here, locked away, violated a hundred times and a hundred times more. I have been starved and cheated, tricked and disgraced. How odd it is that I am undone by the simple kindness of a small boy with a yellow pencil." (From "A Gift")

"My will? This is something I lost long ago, I want to tell him." (From "A Strange Customer")

(I read Sold on my Kindle, so the page numbers were not available. -Kellee)

Reading Strategies to Practice: Making connections, Comparing/Contrasting, Asking questions

Writing Strategies to Practice: Vignettes, Narrative, First Person POV, Descriptive

Writing Prompts: In "Before Gita Left" Lakshmi writes about how her and her best friend spend their time. Write about your best friend and your favorite things to do with him/her.; In "Beyond the Himalayas" Lakshmi wonders what is on the other side of the Himalayas. Write about a place where you wish you could visit.

Topics Covered: Integration- Social Studies, Poverty, Adversity, Perseverance, Human Trafficking, Prostitution

Translated to Spanish: Yes

and

Spellbound

Title: Spellbound

Author: Cara Lynn Shultz

Publisher: Harlequin Teen

Publication Date: June 2011

Genre/Format: Paranormal/Novel

Summary: Emma has had a rough life. She has lost her mother and her brother. She has been living with an alcoholic stepfather. So, moving in with her well-off aunt in NYC is surreal for her. She hasn't been relaxed, happy or taken care of in years. This move seems to be exactly what Emma needs, even though it doesn't seem like it at first- a preppy, private H.S. is not exactly the friendliest of the places for a new girl. But when Emma sees Brendan, none of the others matter anymore.

What I Think: In the world of paranormal romance, Spellbound is a book full of cliches, but fights them throughout and actually stands alone pretty strongly. Overall, a fun romance with action, legends and great music references!

Cliche 1: Emma moves to NYC to live with her rich aunt after a life of loss with her family and has to start school at a posh private school. At the private school she meets: 1) Kristen- A blonde *itchy girl who hates her right away; 2) Anthony- An aggressive, jerky rich jock who harasses her; 3) Brendan- A hot, rich jock who she falls in love with at first site; 4) Cisco- A gay best friend; 5) Angelique- An outcast, scholarship kid who accepts Emma for who she is.

Overcoming cliche 1: Emma is quite snarky and keeps you on your toes while reading her narrative. The rest of the characters may fit into cliches, but they are struggling to crawl out of the box. Although the snobby girl and the a-hole boy fit their niche pretty exactly, the rest don't. Cisco is essential in making Emma feel comfortable at her new school (although naming a gay guy Francisco seemed a bit too predictable) and Angelique becomes quite important when the paranormal aspect of the story enters. I was sad that Cisco faded as Emma's relationship with Brendan came into focus. And Brendan....

Cliche 2: A girl falls in love with a bad boy (who is described surprisingly like Edward...) Brendan is a misunderstood bad guy and Emma is just the person to figure him out.

Overcoming cliche 2: Brendan is so cool! He is a gentleman (most of the time...), has great taste in music, is one of the smartest boys in the school and is just, so... hot! Usually when I read a paranormal romance (ala Twilight or Hush, Hush) the man is always so overbearing, aggressive, masculine and negative. Brendan, though mysterious and protective at times, is likable. A nice touch to actually have the protagonist fall for a likable guy.

Cliche 3: They're cursed to love each other and will eventually result in one of their dooms. (Seemed very Impossible by Werlin to me.)

Overcoming cliche 3: The build up to the curse, the curse reveal and the result of the curse are quite entertaining. I found parts of it predictable, but other parts came out of nowhere and shocked me. Quite fun!

Cliche 4: Girl cannot live without boy. They are soulmates.

Overcoming cliche 4: Well, this one is not really overcome. They are soulmates, but it is less of a needy situation than other romances I've read. Yes, Emma loves Brendan and fantasizes and daydreams about him, but Emma also has her own personality. She is strong and not afraid to stand up for herself. She is not always relying on Brendan (though he does seem to be there for her a lot).

If you are looking for a fun read that may be just a bit different than the other paranormal romances you've read, you should pick this up.

Read Together: 8 - 10

Read Alone: 8 - 12

Read With: Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater, Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick, Twilight series by Stephenie Meyer, Impossible by Nancy Werlin

Snatch of Text: "It overloaded my senses and felt natural at the same time- like this was where I was supposed to be." (approximately p. 175)

"Tension at home was thick like fog, how it filled your lungs until you thought you would suffocate." (approximately p. 200)

"I wasn't exactly a stranger to feeling like a princess- if you meant the princes sin the first half of the fairy tale. Cinderella as a scullery maid. Snow White with the wicked stepmother. But I wasn't used to what life was like after you meet the prince, after the slipper fits, after the kiss wakes you from your slumber. It would take some getting used to. (approximately p. 205)

Cara Lynn Shultz also wrote a beautiful legend to go with the story. It is a great mentor text for the make up of a legend and is accompanied by a curse in verse.

(I read Spellbound on my Kindle, so do not have the exact page numbers.)

Reading Strategies to Practice: Predicting, Synthesize, Looking for details, Asking questions

Writing Strategies to Practice: Narrative, Humor, Description, Characterization

Writing Prompts: Create your own legend that ends in a curse for one of the character's families.; Emma's aunt rescues her when she really needs it. Write about someone who has helped you at some point in your life.

Topics Covered: Love, Choice, Death, Abuse, Taking Risks, Fear, Trust, Happiness, Humor

Translated to Spanish: No

Thank you to Harlequin & netGalley for allowing me to review this book.

Make Way For Ducklings

Title: Make Way For Ducklings  
Author: Robert McCloskey 
Illustrator: Robert McCloskey 
Publisher: Viking Press
Publication Date: 1941, republished since then 
Genre/Format: Fiction/Picture Book 
Summary: Mr. and Mrs. Mallard are searching for the perfect spot to lay their eggs and raise their baby ducks: Jack, Kack, Lack, Mack, Nack, Oack, Pack, and Quack. It's not easy, but they find a great home in the Boston Public Gardens. 
What I Think: I hadn't read this book until I went to visit one of my closest friend's who now lives in Boston. One afternoon on a blustery November day, we walked the Freedom Trail through Boston. I am fascinated by the history of our country and the Revolutionary War and by following the Freedom Trail, a literal red strip through Boston, you can visit many landmarks from that era including the sight of the Boston Massacre and Old North Church where Paul Revere received his message that he went to relay on his late night ride. The start of the Freedom Trail is at the Boston Common, the oldest public park in the history of the United States. As we walked through the Common, I noticed the bronze statues of Mrs. Mallard and the eight baby ducks. Of course, I had to take a picture...and there were two toddlers having fun with the ducks at the same time.
Later on our tour when we were in the Old North Church's small store, I found a copy of Make Way For Ducklings and knew I had to have it. After reading the story, I completely fell in love all over again. How can you not love these little duckies and their caring parents.
When I shared this book with Peanut he giggled when we read the names of all the ducklings. He was curious about ducks and laying eggs and how eggs hatch. I love how fiction books can lead to questions about how the world works. One thing that strikes me about this book is that the illustrations are simple drawings without color but the story is still easy to relate to and lovable.
I got to spend this past weekend with my wonderful friend who still lives in Boston (she loves it and she'll never move...) and we had to visit the Public Gardens. Peanut and I had questions about ducks and as my friend, Alison, and I were discussing this story we started wondering ourselves about why Mr. Mallard leaves Mrs. Mallard and about what mallards eat and if it would be okay to feed them peanuts while we road the duck boats.  Of course, with our smartphones, we were able to instantly look up our answers and we learned about ducks. I love that this kind of questioning that develops from a book turns into more learning whether you are young (like Peanut) or old (like my Alison and I). I love a book that can do this!
I'm excited to share some pictures from my Boston adventure with these beloved ducklings:

Read Together: PreK - 3 
Read Alone: K - 3 
Read With: Nonfiction about ducks or birds, The Boy Who Drew Birds: A Story of John James Audubon by Jacqueline Davies,
Snatch of Text:  
Reading Strategies to Practice: Activating Background Knowledge, Making Connections, Asking Questions
Writing Strategies to Practice: Narrative, Descriptive 
Writing Prompts: Write a story about another animal that meets the Mallard family at the Boston Public Garden. Describe your favorite park and what you love about it.
Topics Covered: Family, Taking Risks, Love, Fitting In 
Translated to Spanish: Yes! Abran Paso A los Patitos = Make Way for Ducklings (Picture Puffin Books (Pb)) (Spanish Edition) or Abran paso a los patitos

 

A Bit of Me(Me) 8/13/11

YAY! My first Bit of (Me)Me! I am very excited to be a part of it- thank you to There's a Book for hosting!

What's one activity you're looking forward to or that you've already done this summer?

This answer is a two-parter for me and they are both things that I've already been able to do this summer. (And I included an honorary #3!)

1) When I went away to college, I chose a university 1 hour from my parent's house. It is the perfect length! Close enough to visit easily, but not close enough that they'd show up unexpectedly. And I really came to love that they were close enough for me to visit them. This is why, in February, when my dad told me that he and my mom were moving to Tennessee in 4 months, I was devastated! That is 10 and 1/2 hours from me! My child won't have their grandparents living within a quick drive of them :( I really was sad. But then I saw how happy my parents were and I couldn't be depressed anymore. Now, I was just excited to be able to visit them so I can see the town that they had come to love so much. And that is exactly what I am doing right now- visiting my parents in Chattanooga and experiencing everything that they enjoy about the town.

Some highlights so far: The Tennessee Aquarium, Incline Railroad, Point Park, Hunter Museum of American Art, and scootering around by the Tennessee River (minus the crashing of the scooter :-O). Today we're going to Rock City and Ruby Falls and tomorrow we'll do the Chattanooga Zoo before we fly out. What a way to end my summer vacation!!

  

2) I set a goal in January to read 175 books (novels, chapter books or graphic novels) this year and ever since setting this goal on GoodReads, I've been behind. How discouraging it is to go to GoodReads every day just to be told that you are behind on your goal (I'm sure some of you know what I am talking about). SO during the summer I decided I was going to not only catch up with my goal, but get ahead which is exactly what I did! This summer I read 80 books (almost a #bookaday). I am now at 149 books (including 1 picture book) which means I am 42 books ahead of my goal and feeling great! Thought about upping my goal, but I like being ahead :)

Honorary [but the best!] 3) This was also a great summer because my husband, Jim, graduated with his paramedic certificate completing his 5 semester long schooling to become a EMT, firefighter and paramedic- YAY! I loved seeing him walk across that stage and be honored for all of his hard work!

I hope you all have had as fabulous of a summer as I have! What did you do this summer that you had really looked forward to?